Illuminable composite pane

ABSTRACT

A composite pane is presented. The composite pane includes an outer pane and an inner pane that are bonded to each other via an intermediate layer. The composite pane further includes a light-diffusing glass fiber that is suitable for emitting light by diffusion via its side wall along its extension length. According to one aspect, the glass fiber is arranged, in sections, between the intermediate layer and the outer pane. According to another aspect, the glass fiber is arranged, in sections, between the intermediate layer and the inner pane.

The invention relates to an illuminable composite pane, in particular a windshield, a rear window, a side pane, or a roof panel of a vehicle, as well as a method for production thereof and use thereof.

Composite panes comprise at least one outer pane, one inner pane, and one adherable intermediate layer that areally bonds the outer pane to the the inner pane. Typical intermediate layers are polyvinyl butyral films, which have, in addition to their adhesive properties, high toughness and high acoustic damping. The intermediate layer prevents the disintegration of the composite glass pane in the event of damage. The composite pane merely cracks, but remains dimensionally stable.

Composite panes have clear advantages compared to single-pane safety glass: High acoustic insulation can be obtained by means of a composite pane, which is, for example, particularly advantageous for the separation of motor vehicle interiors from their external environment. Consequently, in addition to windshields, side panes of motor vehicles are also increasingly made of composite glass. At the same time, a composite pane has greater penetration inhibition than a single-pane safety glass and is thus more stable against penetration of foreign bodies or break-in attempts.

DE 10 2005 036869 A1, WO 2008/061789 A1, WO 2007/077099 A1, US 2015/253486 A1, and US 2013/299856 A1 disclose composite structures that are areally illuminable by means of woven glass fiber fabric or glass fiber fleece.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved composite pane that is illuminable, at least in sections. Integration of the illumination into the composite pane should be simple and cost-effective.

The object of the present invention is accomplished according to the invention by a composite pane according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are apparent from the subclaims.

The composite pane according to the invention comprises at least:

-   -   one outer pane and one inner pane that are bonded to one another         via an intermediate layer, and     -   at least one light-diffusing glass fiber that is suitable for         emitting light by diffusion via its side wall along its         extension length,         wherein the glass fiber is arranged, at least in sections,         between the intermediate layer and the outer pane and/or between         the intermediate layer and the inner pane.

In an advantageous embodiment, the composite pane according to the invention is a glazing for means of transportation for travel on land, in the air, or on water, in particular in trains, watercraft, and motor vehicles, for example, as a windshield, rear window, side pane, and/or roof panel, in buildings, in particular in the access area, window area, roof area, or facade area, as a built-in component in furniture and appliances.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the composite pane according to the invention is a laminated side pane, which is provided for a, preferably openable, side window of a vehicle. The term “an openable side window” means a side window that can be opened and closed again by substantially vertical displacement of the side pane in the vehicle door.

The terms “outer pane” and “inner pane” serve merely to distinguish a first pane and a second pane. In the case of use of the composite pane as a vehicle pane or as a building pane, the outer pane is preferably but not necessarily turned toward the exterior of the composite pane; and the inner pane, the interior.

The glass fiber according to the invention is a light-diffusing glass fiber that emits light by diffusion via its side wall along its extension length. Such glass fibers are usually made of at least a glass fiber core that is surrounded by one or a plurality of sheath-shaped layers arranged around the glass fiber core. The sheath layers usually have a large number of diffusion centers, for example, nanopores or nanoparticles. Suitable light-diffusing glass fibers are well known to the person skilled in the art. Merely by way of example, reference is made here to the glass fibers mentioned in US 2011/0122646 A1 or US 2015/0131955 A1. The thickness of the glass fiber is typically from 5 μm to 300 μm, preferably from 100 μm to 250 μm. Of course, as a result of suitable production or processing, the glass fiber can also have light-diffusing regions only in sections.

In an advantageous embodiment of the glass fiber according to the invention, the extension length via which the glass fiber emits uninterrupted light via its side wall is at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, and particularly preferably at least 30 cm.

In the context of the present invention, the term “light-diffusing glass fiber” also means a bundle or braid of a plurality of individual glass fibers. In an advantageous embodiment, the composite pane according to the invention has less than or equal to 50 individual glass fibers, preferably exactly one glass fiber, exactly two glass fibers, exactly three glass fibers, exactly four glass fibers, exactly five glass fibers, exactly six glass fibers, exactly seven glass fibers, exactly eight glass fibers, exactly nine glass fibers, or exactly ten glass fibers. In particular, the composite pane according to the invention has no glass fiber fleece. The one to 50 glass fibers are preferably controllable independently from one another, in other words, illuminable independently from one another. The one to 50 glass fibers are preferably arranged near one another. Alternatively, the glass fibers can intersect, preferably a maximum of 10 times per glass fiber.

In an advantageous embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention, the glass fiber is embedded in one surface of the intermediate layer. This can be done automatically during the lamination of the outer pane, intermediate layer, and inner pane since the outer pane and the inner pane are substantially rigid at the temperatures and pressures of lamination and the intermediate layer is soft and flexible.

For simpler production of the composite pane, the glass fiber can be fixed in one surface of the intermediate layer before lamination under the action of pressure and temperature. This has the particular advantage that the glass fiber is fixed in its place during the production of the composite pane and slippage is avoided. The action of pressure and temperature can preferably be produced by a heating element, preferably a soldering iron, a heated pressure roller, a heating plate, in particular a flat iron, or a stream of hot air in combination with a pressing means.

In an advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the glass fiber is connected by at least one fastening means to the intermediate layer, the outer pane, and/or the inner pane. This has the particular advantage that the glass fiber is fixed in its place during the production of the composite pane and slippage is avoided. The fastening means are preferably transparent such that vision through the composite pane is not or not substantially impaired.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a composite pane according to the invention, the fastening means is an adhesive means, preferably an adhesive that is liquid at the time of application, an adhesive tape adhesive on one side (for short: single-sided adhesive tape) or an adhesive tape adhesive on both sides (for short: double-sided adhesive tape). The single-sided adhesive tape or the double-sided adhesive tape consist of a carrier film, preferably a carrier film made of plastic, which has an adhesive on one side or on both sides.

Particularly advantageous adhesives are acrylate adhesives, methylmethacrylate adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyepoxides, silicone adhesives, and/or silane cross-linking polymeric adhesives, mixtures, and/or copolymers thereof.

In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the fastening means is a monofilament cord or a braided cord, preferably a transparent cord, particularly preferably a plastic cord, and in particular a cord made of polyamide (for example, nylon)), polyethylene (for example, Dyneema or Spectra), or polyaramide (for example, Kevlar). Such cords have typical diameters from 0.01 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm.

The outer pane and/or the inner pane preferably contain glass, in particular soda lime glass, or plastics, preferably rigid plastics, in particular polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate. The thickness of the pane can vary greatly and thus be ideally adapted to the requirements in the individual case. Preferably, the thicknesses of the outer pane and of the inner pane are from 0.5 mm to 10 mm and preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm, most particularly preferably from 1.4 mm to 3 mm.

The outer pane, the inner pane, or the intermediate layer can be clear and colorless, but also tinted, frosted, or colored. The outer pane and the inner pane can be made of non-prestressed, partially prestressed, or prestressed glass. The outer pane and/or the inner pane can have a masking print, preferably a black print, on one side, which blocks the view of gluing of the pane in a housing or vehicle body or other elements arranged in or on the pane. The masking print can be implemented opaque and full-surface. Alternatively, the masking print can also be implemented semitransparent, for example, as a dot grid, strip grid, or checkered grid. Alternatively, the masking print can even have a gradient, for example, from an opaque covering to a semitransparent covering.

In an advantageous embodiment, the composite pane according to the invention has, at least in sections, a masking print on the outer pane or on the inner pane and, in particular, a black print, with the glass fiber arranged, at least in sections, in the region of the masking print. In the case of an opaque masking print, this has the particular advantage that the glass fiber and any fastening means are not discernible when looking through, and, at the same time, the illumination from a glass fiber is discernible only on one surface of the panes, i.e., on the exterior-side surface of the outer pane or the interior-side surface of the inner pane.

The intermediate layer is preferably a thermoplastic intermediate layer and is formed by at least one thermoplastic bonding film. The thermoplastic bonding film contains at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU) or mixtures or copolymers or derivatives thereof. Such films adhere well on glass or plastic panes. The intermediate layer can also contain a non-adhering or a poorly adhering film, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, that is laminated between two thermoplastic bonding films that adhere well. The thickness of the intermediate layer and, in particular, of the thermoplastic bonding film is preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, for example, 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm.

In another advantageous embodiment, the composite pane according to the invention has heating means for electrical heating of the composite pane. Preferred heating means are electrically conductive wires and/or one or a plurality of electrically heatable, transparent, electrically conductive layers.

The composite pane according to the invention can have other functionalities besides the heating function effected by the heating means. In an advantageous embodiment, the composite pane has a reflecting coating for the infrared range. Such a coating can be applied on a surface of the outer pane or on a surface of the inner pane, preferably on a surface facing the intermediate layer, in order to protect the coating against corrosion and mechanical action. Alternatively, the coating can be introduced into the composite, in the form of a coated carrier film, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this case, the coated film is preferably arranged between a first and a second thermoplastic bonding film. IR-reflecting coatings typically have at least one electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the coating can have dielectric layers that serve, for example, to regulate the sheet resistance, to protect against corrosion, or to reduce reflection. The conductive layer preferably contains silver or an electrically conductive oxide (transparent conductive oxide, TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The conductive layer preferably has a thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm. To improve the conductivity with simultaneously high transparency, the coating can have a plurality of electrically conductive layers that are separated from one another by at least one dielectric layer. The conductive coating can include, for example, two, three, or four electrically conductive layers. Typical dielectric layers contain oxides or nitrides, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide. Of course, these electrically conductive, transparent coatings can also serve for the electrical heating of the pane. The coating preferably has a smaller surface area than the composite pane such that a peripheral edge region with a width of preferably 0.5 mm to 15 mm is not provided with the coating. The conductive coating is thus protected inside the intermediate layer against contact with the surrounding atmosphere, which is advantageous in terms of the prevention of corrosion. The composite pane can also have other uncoated regions, for example, data transmission windows or communication windows.

In an advantageous embodiment of the composite pane according to the invention, the intermediate layer has at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, and particularly preferably 3 to 100 openings, wherein the glass fiber is routed through the opening or through the openings and is thus arranged, in sections, between the intermediate layer and the outer pane and between the intermediate layer and the inner pane. By means of the arrangement of the glass fiber in at least one opening of the intermediate layer, the position of the glass fiber relative to the intermediate layer is fixed such that slippage of the glass fiber during the production and lamination of the composite pane can be avoided.

Another aspect of the invention is a composite pane arrangement, at least comprising:

-   -   a composite pane according to the invention, and     -   a lighting means for coupling light into the glass fiber.

The lighting means is preferably arranged on one side edge of the composite pane. In the case of a movable composite pane, such as a side pane that can be opened, the lighting means is preferably connected to the composite pane and likewise arranged movably. Of course, the lighting means can also be installed independent of the composite pane and can be connected to the light-diffusing glass fiber according to the invention via a preferably non-light-diffusing glass fiber.

Advantageous lighting means are, for example, laser diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or incandescent bulbs, with the invention including any type of light source that is suitable for a respective use. The lighting means according to the invention also include lens systems, mirror systems, reflector systems, or other light guides that can serve for the coupling of the light into the glass fiber according to the invention.

The lighting means can be colored or white. The lighting means can also give off light in the ultraviolet range, so long as the glass fiber or its surroundings can convert the ultraviolet light into visible light. Preferred light colors are red (due to the pronounced signaling effect), green (due to the high sensitivity of the human eye for the green color spectrum), and blue (due to its particularly aesthetic and less dazzling effect).

Of course, a composite pane can have one or a plurality of glass fibers. All glass fibers are preferably jointly coupled to a lighting means or each glass fiber is individually coupled to a lighting means. The glass fiber or the glass fibers can be arranged in the composite pane in any technically possible form, for example, in the edge region, in the center, rectilinearly, curved, or as lettering or as a symbol.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for producing a composite pane according to the invention, at least comprising:

-   -   (a) Preparing a glass fiber, an intermediate layer, an outer         pane with an interior-side surface II, and an inner pane with an         exterior-side surface III,     -   (b) Arranging the glass fiber on the intermediate layer, on the         interior-side surface II of the outer pane, or on the         exterior-side surface III of the the inner pane,     -   (c) Arranging the intermediate layer between the outer pane and         the inner pane,     -   (d) Bonding the interior-side surface II of the outer pane to         the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane via the         intermediate layer by lamination.

The intermediate layer is preferably a thermoplastic intermediate layer and bonds the outer pane and the inner pane to one another by lamination.

The lamination is done with customary methods known per se to the person skilled in the art, for example, autoclave methods, vacuum bag methods, vacuum ring methods, calender methods, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The bonding of the outer pane and the inner pane is customarily done under the action of heat, vacuum, and/or pressure.

In order to avoid slippage of the glass fiber in the process steps b) and c), it is advantageous to fix the glass fiber in or after the process step b). For this, the glass fiber can preferably be connected to the intermediate layer, the interior-side surface II of the outer pane, or the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the process step (b), the glass fiber is embedded in the surface of the intermediate layer by means of local heating and/or by the exertion of pressure. By means of the embedding in the surface of the intermediate layer, the glass fiber is fixedly connected to the intermediate layer and the position of the glass fiber is fixed relative to the intermediate layer. The action of pressure and temperature can preferably be produced by a heating element, preferably a soldering iron, a heated pressure roller, a heating plate, in particular a flat iron, or a stream of hot air in combination with a pressing means. The pressure and the temperature must be selected such that the light-diffusing properties of the glass fiber are not impaired. The person skilled in the art can determine a suitable pressure and a suitable temperature by simple experiments. This has the particular advantage that no additional fastening means are necessary and the fixing can be done particularly simply.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the process step (b), the glass fiber is connected by at least one fastening means to the intermediate layer, the interior side II of the outer pane, and/or the exterior side III of the inner pane. The fastening means is preferably an adhesive means and particularly preferably a liquid adhesive, a single-sided adhesive tape, or a double-sided adhesive tape. Such adhesive means are particularly simple and economical and permit secure fixing of the glass fiber.

It is particularly advantageous for the glass fiber to be connected by at least one fastening means to either the intermediate layer, the interior side II of the outer pane, or the exterior side III of the inner pane. The pre-laminate thus created can then be conveniently stored, transported, or further processed without the glass fiber slipping. In particular, in process step (c), the intermediate layer can be arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane with high precision, with the glass fiber retaining the desired position.

For example, a double-sided adhesive tape is adhered on the intermediate layer, the interior side II of the outer pane, or the exterior side III of the inner pane along the later position of the glass fiber; and in a further step, the glass fiber is applied on the second adhesive layer of the double-sided adhesive tape and thus fastened.

In an alternative or additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the process step (b), the glass fiber is connected to the intermediate layer by at least one cord. The cord is routed around the glass fiber and through at least two openings of the intermediate layer such that the cord encompasses the glass fiber and the section of the intermediate layer between the openings in the form of a loop. The cord can preferably be fixed by at least one knot, one glue dot, or, in the case of a suitable cord material, by local fusion bonding.

A further aspect of the invention includes the use of the composite pane according to the invention in means of transportation for travel on land, in the air, or on water, in particular in trains, watercraft, and motor vehicles, for example, as a windshield, rear window, side pane, and/or roof panel, in buildings, in particular in the access area, window area, roof area, or façade area, as a built-in component in furniture and appliances.

The composite pane according to the invention is particularly preferably a glazing that is frameless in sections, wherein the light-diffusing glass fiber according to the invention is arranged near the frameless side edges. The light-diffusing glass fiber can also be arranged on an inner side edge, for example, in the region of a cutout made in the glazing such as a skylight in a roof panel.

The composite pane according to the invention is preferably implemented as a stationary glazing, in other words, the glazing is arranged stationary relative to its surroundings and fixed, for example, by section-wise fastening, for example, as a windshield in a vehicle or as a glass partition in a building or in a piece of furniture.

The composite pane according to the invention is alternatively implemented as a movable glazing, in other words, the glazing is arranged movable relative to its surroundings, for example, as glazing arranged movably in a door, such as a side pane in a vehicle door.

Another aspect of the invention includes the use of a lighting means according to the invention in a composite pane arrangement for the identification of an electrical function, preferably a heating function, a movement of the composite pane according to the invention, preferably of an opening or closing side window and/or as a warning function, preferably in the case of a frameless side pane in an opened vehicle door. A preferred use includes the use of the composite pane arrangement for a coming-home function and/or a leaving-home function. Of course, the electrical function which the lighting means identifies is not merely the operation of the lighting means but rather a different function.

Commonly referred to as a “coming-home function” is a function, in which, after leaving a vehicle, the vehicle lighting remains lighted for a certain time and then switches off automatically. This has the purpose of lighting the way from the parking place to the house door, thus making coming home easier as well as keeping the vehicle better visible while getting out.

Commonly referred to as a “leaving-home function” is a function in which, for example, after opening of the vehicle by remote control, the vehicle lighting is turned on to illuminate the way from the house door to the vehicle.

In the following, the invention is explained in detail with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic depictions and not true to scale. The drawings in no way restrict the invention.

They depict:

FIG. 1A a plan view of an embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention,

FIG. 1B a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane of FIG. 1A,

FIG. 2A a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention,

FIG. 2B a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane of FIG. 2A,

FIG. 3A a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention,

FIG. 3B a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane of FIG. 3A,

FIG. 3C an enlarged representation of a view through the composite pane of FIG. 3A,

FIG. 3D an enlarged representation of a view through an alternative composite pane,

FIG. 4A a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention,

FIG. 4B a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane of FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4C an enlarged representation of a view through the composite pane of FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4D an enlarged representation of a view through an alternative composite pane,

FIG. 5A a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the composite pane arrangement according to the invention,

FIG. 5B a cross-sectional view of along the section line A-A through the composite pane of FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5C an enlarged representation of a view through the composite pane of FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5D an enlarged representation of a view through an alternative composite pane,

FIG. 6 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of a composite pane arrangement 100 according to the invention, which comprises a composite pane 10 according to the invention and a lighting means 20. FIG. 1B depicts a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A′ through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 1A. The composite pane 10 is configured as a side pane for a side window of a passenger car in this example.

The composite pane 10 according to the invention includes an outer pane 1 with an interior-side surface II, an inner pane 2 with an exterior-side surface III, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 that bonds the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 to the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 to one another via the pane surface. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made, for example, of soda lime glass and have, for example, a thickness of 2.1 mm in each case. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 is, for example, a film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a thickness of 0.76 mm. Of course, other glass panes or polymeric panes can also be used as the outer pane and inner pane. Furthermore, the thickness of the outer pane 1 and inner pane 2 can be adapted to the respective use.

In this exemplary embodiment, one light-diffusing glass fiber 4 is arranged between the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 and the intermediate layer 3. Of course, the glass fiber 4 can also be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2. Alternatively, an additional intermediate layer (not shown here) can also be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and one of the panes 1,2, wherein the glass fiber 4 is arranged between the two intermediate layers.

In the production of the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 via the intermediate layer 3 by lamination. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and non-flexible at the temperatures and pressures customary for this. The intermediate layer 3 is malleable at the temperatures and pressures customary for this such that the glass fiber 4 can penetrate into the surface of the intermediate layer 3 and is embedded there.

To facilitate production, it is advantageous to fasten the glass fiber 4, before lamination, on the intermediate layer 3, the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1, or the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2. In an advantageous embodiment, the glass fiber 4 is bonded to one of the surfaces of the intermediate layer 3 under the action of pressure and temperature, for example, by ironing with a flat iron. The pre-laminate of glass fiber 4 and intermediate layer 3 thus produced can be arranged particularly simply between the outer pane 1 in the inner pane 2, whereby the glass fiber 4 can be positioned in a very defined and precise manner.

The light-defusing glass fiber 4 has a diameter d of, for example, 200 μm and is suitable for emitting light via its side wall along its extension length. The light is coupled into the glass fiber 4 via one end face of the glass fiber 4. For this, a lighting means 20 is arranged on one end of the glass fiber 4. The lighting means 20 consists, for example, of a laser diode, which can, for example, couple light into the glass fiber 4 via a reflector. Upon application of a voltage to the laser diode, light is coupled into the glass fiber 4. The glass fiber 4 diffuses the light on its surface along its entire extension length such that the glass fiber 4 lights up over its entire extension length.

Here, the composite pane 10 is, for example, a side pane of a vehicle door of a passenger car, and the glass fiber 4 is arranged near the front and top side edge 6 of the composite pane 10. The border of the side pane in the vehicle door is, for example, frameless such that the side pane is guided and inserted into the vehicle door only at its lower side. Here, the lighting means 20 is, for example, a high-performance light-emitting diode.

The composite pane arrangement 100 produced with this composite pane 10 is, for example, configured such that, upon opening of the vehicle door, the lighting means 20 is activated and the glass fiber 4 is illuminated. This has the particular advantage that the vehicle door is illuminated in the opened state and is particularly well discernible by other road users. The visibility of the composite pane 10 thus illuminated is particularly increased in the darkness—in particular since the composite pane 10 in this example is frameless and is fastened in the vehicle door only at its lower side edge. The side edge of the composite pane 10 illuminated by the glass fiber 4 is thus freely visible without obstruction.

The lighting means 20 can be monochromatic or can identify different states by different colors. Thus, the warning function is particularly high for a red lighting means, since a red color is commonly associated with danger. Green lighting means are readily discerned in the dark since the human eye has particularly high sensitivity for the green color spectrum.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lighting means 20 has, for example, a red light-emitting diode and a blue light-emitting diode. In that case, the composite pane arrangement 100 is connected, for example, to the vehicle's electronic system such that when the composite pane 10 is opened by an electrical window lifter, the glass fiber 4 is illuminated with blue light; and when the composite pane 10 is closed, the glass fiber 4 is illuminated with red light. This has the particular advantage that the direction of movement of the composite pane 10 relative to the doorframe thus becomes visible and individuals can quickly recognize the danger of entrapment of body parts or objects in the closing window. Of course, other colors or white light can also be used for the illumination of the glass fiber 4. Furthermore, other functions can also be indicated by the illumination of the composite pane 10 or particularly aesthetic lighting can be realized.

Composite panes 10 according to the invention can optionally have an additional electrical function and, for example, an electrical heating function. For example, heating means (not shown here), such as heating wires or heating layers can be arranged in the region between the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2. Such heating wires are made, for example, of copper or tungsten and have a thickness of, for example, 30 μm. Transparent, electrically conductive coatings, as described above are, for example, known as heating layers. Heating wires and heating layers can be formed, for example, by busbars, for example, strips of a copper foil with a thickness of, for example, 100 μm and a width of, for example, 7 mm. When a voltage is applied to the busbars, a current flows through the heating wires or heating layer, by which means the heating effect is produced. The voltage can be the usual automobile on-board voltage of 14 V, or even a voltage of, for example, 42 V or 48 V. Of course, the voltage can also be a customary supply voltage of, for example, 110 V or 220 V, in particular with the use of a composite pane according to the invention 10 in building technology, such as a transparent heater. The corresponding level of heating of the composite pane 10 can, again, be indicated by the illumination of the glass fiber 4 by the lighting means 20.

FIG. 2A depicts a plan view of an alternative composite pane arrangement 100 according to the invention, which includes an alternative composite pane 10 according to the invention, and a lighting means 20. FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 2A. In this example, the composite pane 10 is configured as a windshield of a passenger car.

The composite pane 10 according to the invention includes an outer pane 1 with an interior-side surface II, an inner pane 2 with an exterior-side surface III, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 that bonds the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 to the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 to one another via the pane surface. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made, for example, of soda lime glass and have, for example, a thickness of 2.1 mm in each case. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 is, for example, a film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a thickness of 0.76 mm. Of course, other glass panes or polymeric panes can also be used as the outer pane 1 and inner pane 2. Furthermore, the thickness of the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 can be adapted to the respective use.

In this exemplary embodiment, two light-defusing glass fibers 4 are arranged between the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 and the intermediate layer 3. Of course, the glass fibers 4 can also be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2. Alternatively, an additional intermediate layer (not shown here) can also be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and one of the panes 1,2, wherein the glass fibers 4 can be arranged between the two intermediate layers.

In the production of the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 via the intermediate layer 3 by lamination. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and non-flexible at the temperatures and pressures customary for this. The intermediate layer 3 is malleable then such that the glass fiber 4 can penetrate into the surface of the intermediate layer 3 and is embedded there.

The light-defusing glass fibers 4 have a diameter d of 150 μm in each case and are suitable for emitting light via their side wall along their extension length. The light is coupled into the glass fiber 4 via one end face of the glass fiber 4. For this, a lighting means 20 is arranged on one end of each glass fiber 4. The lighting means 20 consists, for example, of a laser diode, which can, for example, couple light into the glass fiber 4 via a reflector. Upon application of a voltage to the laser diode, light is coupled into the glass fiber 4. The glass fiber 4 then diffuses the light on its surface along its entire extension length such that the glass fiber 4 lights up over its entire extension length.

The composite pane 10 has, in this example, on a peripheral edge region of the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2, an opaque masking print 7, for example, a black print made of a ceramic ink, which, through firing, forms a permanent bond with the glass surface III of the inner pane 2. The masking print 7 has the purpose of blocking the view of the gluing points with which the composite pane 10 is glued into a vehicle body. At the same time, the gluing point is protected against light irradiation and, in particular, against irradiation by UV light, which would cause accelerated aging of the gluing point.

The glass fibers 4 are arranged, in this example, in the form of a frame in the edge region of the composite pane 10. Here, the glass fibers 4 are, for example, arranged in a region that is concealed by the interior-side surface IV of the inner pane 2 by means of the masking print 7. This means that the glass fibers 4 cannot be seen from the vehicle interior. In particular, light emitted on the sidewalls of the glass fibers 4 also does not enter the vehicle interior such that occupants cannot be dazzled or disturbed thereby.

Here, the lighting means 20 is, for example, a high-performance laser diode. The composite pane arrangement 100 produced with this composite pane 10 is, for example, configured such that the lighting means 20, upon locking or unlocking the vehicle doors, lights the glass fiber 4 for a certain period of time, for example, 1 min. This can occur independent of or simultaneously with the rest of the vehicle lighting. Such illumination can serve as an unambiguous signal to the individual performing the locking and unlocking, for example, using a radio receiver, that the vehicle is securely locked or unlocked. At the same time, a coming-home or leaving-home function can be realized therewith.

The lighting means 20 can be monochromatic or can identify different states by different colors. Different colors permit readily distinguishing visually between locking and unlocking the vehicle. If the illumination of the glass fiber 4 is used as a warning function, a red or orange light can, for example, be used since a red or orange color is commonly associated with danger. Green lighting means are, in particular, readily discerned in the dark since the human eye has a particularly sensitivity for the green color spectrum.

Of course, the glass fiber 4 need not be arranged along one side edge of a pane or only along one side edge, but can be arranged in any manner desired. In particular, one or a plurality of glass fibers 4 can be arranged in the shape of a symbol, for example, a hazard triangle, or can form lettering.

Of course, the glass fiber 4 can also have regions in which light can exit the glass fiber 4 via the sidewalls such that symbols not connected to one another can be illuminated.

FIG. 3A depicts a plan view of an alternative composite pane arrangement 100 according to the invention that includes an alternative composite pane 10 according to the invention and a lighting means 20. FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 3A. The composite pane 10 is configured in this example as a roof panel of a passenger car.

The composite pane 10 according to the invention includes an outer pane 1 with an interior-side surface II, an inner pane 2 with an exterior-side surface III, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 that bonds the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 to the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 via the pane surface. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are made, for example, of soda lime glass and have, for example, a thickness of 1.5 mm in each case. The thermoplastic intermediate layer 3 is, for example, a three-ply film made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a total thickness of 0.86 mm. Of course, other glass panes or polymeric panes can also be used as the outer pane and the inner pane. Furthermore, the thickness of the outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 can be adapted to the respective use.

In this exemplary embodiment, one light-diffusing glass fiber 4 is arranged between the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 and the intermediate layer 3. Of course, the glass fiber 4 can also be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2. Alternatively, another intermediate layer (not shown here) can be arranged between the intermediate layer 3 and one of the panes 1,2, wherein the glass fiber 4 is arranged between the two intermediate layers.

The light-defusing glass fiber 4 has a diameter d of, for example, 200 μm and is suitable for emitting light via its side wall along its extension length. The light is coupled into the glass fiber 4 via one end face of the glass fiber 4. For this, a lighting means 20 is arranged on one end of the glass fiber 4. The lighting means 20 consists, for example, of a laser diode, which can, for example, couple light into the glass fiber 4 via a reflector. Upon application of a voltage to the laser diode, light is then coupled into the glass fiber 4. The glass fiber 4 then diffuses the light on its surface along its entire extension length such that the glass fiber 4 lights up over its entire extension length.

In this example, for producing the composite pane 10 according to the invention, the glass fiber 4 is first arranged using a fastening means 5, for example, on the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1. The fastening means 5 is, for example, an adhesive means 11 and, in this embodiment, a double-sided adhesive tape 13. Here, the double-sided adhesive tape 13 is arranged between the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 and the glass fiber 4. The double-sided adhesive tape 13 includes, for example, a transparent carrier film made of a plastic, with the carrier film having, on both sides, a transparent adhesive. The adhesive means 11 is transparent and is hardly discernible to the eye after the lamination of the composite pane 10.

Of course, the glass fiber 4 can also be fastened on the intermediate layer 3 or on the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 by the adhesive means 11.

FIG. 3C depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 3A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. The glass fiber 4 is arranged by a plurality of fastening means 5 along the extension direction of the glass fiber 4. Here, the adhesive means 11 are, for example, rectangular sections of a double-sided adhesive tape 13. During production, the sections of the double-sided adhesive tape 13 are, for example, adhered on the outer pane 1 along a desired contour via the adhesive on one side of the double-sided adhesive tape 13. In a second step, the glass fiber 4 is then fastened with the adhesive on the second side of the double-sided adhesive tape 13. The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is thus fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided.

During the subsequent lamination of the stack sequence to form the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 via the intermediate layer 3. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and non-flexible at the temperatures and pressures customary for this. The intermediate layer 3 is malleable then such that the glass fiber 4 can penetrate into the surface of the intermediate layer 3 and is embedded there. After the lamination, the transparent sections of the adhesive means 11 are hardly visible.

FIG. 3D depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through an alternative composite pane 10 of FIG. 3A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. In contrast to FIG. 3C, the glass fiber 4 is fastened by a strip-shaped fastening means 5 along the extension direction of the glass fiber 4 on the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1. Here, the fastening means 5 is an adhesive means 11 and, for example, a strip-shaped, double-sided adhesive tape 13. During production, for example, the double-sided adhesive tape 13 is adhered on the outer pane 1 along a desired contour via the adhesive on one side of the double-sided adhesive tape 13. In a second step, the glass fiber 4 is then fastened with the adhesive on the second side of the double-sided adhesive tape 13. The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is thus fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided.

FIG. 4A depicts a plan view of an alternative composite pane arrangement 100 according to the invention, which includes an alternative composite pane 10 according to the invention and a lighting means 20. FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 4A. The composite pane 10 of FIG. 4A corresponds substantially to the composite pane 10 of FIG. 3A such that reference is made in the following only to the differences relative to the composite pane 10 of FIG. 4A.

In this example, for production of the production of the composite pane 10 according to the invention, the glass fiber 4 is first arranged using a fastening means 5, for example, on the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1. The fastening means 5 is, for example, an adhesive means 11 and, in this embodiment, a single-sided adhesive tape 12. The glass fiber 4 is fastened with the single-sided adhesive tape 12 on the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1. In other words, the glass fiber 4 is arranged between the outer pane 1 and the single-sided adhesive tape 12. The single-sided adhesive tape 12 includes, for example, a transparent carrier film made of plastic, with the carrier film having a transparent adhesive on one side. The adhesive means 11 is transparent and is hardly discernible to the eye after the lamination of the composite pane 10.

Of course, the glass fiber 4 can also be fastened on the intermediate layer 3 or on the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 by the adhesive means 11.

FIG. 4C depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 4A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. The glass fiber 4 is arranged by a plurality of fastening means 5 along the extension direction of the glass fiber 4. Here, the adhesive means 11 are, for example, rectangular sections of the single-sided adhesive tape 12. During production, the glass fiber 4 is fastened on the outer pane 1 along a desired contour by sections of the single-sided adhesive tape 12. The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is thus fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided.

During the subsequent lamination of the stack sequence to form the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 via the intermediate layer 3. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and non-flexible at the temperatures and pressures customary for this. The intermediate layer 3 is malleable then such that the glass fiber 4 can penetrate into the surface of the intermediate layer 3 and is embedded there. After the lamination, the transparent sections of the adhesive means 11 are hardly visible.

FIG. 4D depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through an alternative composite pane 10 of FIG. 4A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. In contrast to FIG. 4C, the glass fiber 4 is fastened by a strip-shaped fastening means 5 along the extension direction of the glass fiber 4 on the outer pane 1. Here, the fastening means 5 is an adhesive means 11 and, for example, a strip-shaped, single-sided adhesive tape 12. During production, for example, the single-sided adhesive tape 12 is adhered on the outer pane 1 along a desired contour. The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is thus fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided.

FIG. 5A depicts a plan view of an alternative composite pane arrangement 100 according to the invention, which includes an alternative composite pane 10 according to the invention and a lighting means 20. FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 5A. The composite pane 10 of FIG. 5A corresponds substantially to the composite pane 10 of FIG. 3A such that reference is made in the following only to the differences relative to the composite pane 10 of FIG. 5A.

In this example, for production of the composite pane 10 according to the invention, the glass fiber 4 is first connected to the intermediate layer 3 using a fastening means 5. The fastening means 5 is, for example, a cord 14 that is routed through openings 15 of the intermediate layer 3 and encompasses the glass fiber 4 with a region of the intermediate layer 3 between two openings 15 in the form of a loop. The cord 14 is, in this embodiment, for example, a transparent cord made of polyamide with a diameter of 0.1 mm. After the lamination of the composite pane 10, the cord 14 is hardly discernible to the eye.

FIG. 5C depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through the composite pane 10 of FIG. 5A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. Here, the glass fiber 4 is connected to the intermediate layer 3 of the region Z by three fastening means 5 along the extension direction. Here, the fastening means 5 are three cords 14 that are routed in each case through two openings 15 of the intermediate layer 3. The cord 14 forms a loop that fixedly connects the glass fiber 4 to the intermediate layer 3. The loop can, for example, the fixed by knots, fusion points, or gluing points.

The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided. During the subsequent lamination of the stack sequence to form the composite pane 10, the outer pane 1 is bonded to the inner pane 2 via the intermediate layer 3. The outer pane 1 and the inner pane 2 are very rigid and non-flexible at the temperatures and pressures customary for this. The intermediate layer 3 is malleable then such that the glass fiber 4 can penetrate into the surface of the intermediate layer 3 and is embedded there. After the lamination, the transparent cord 14 is hardly visible.

FIG. 5D depicts an enlarged representation of the region Z of a view through an alternative composite pane 10 of FIG. 5A in a plan view of the exterior-side surface I of the outer pane 1. In contrast to FIG. 5C, the glass fiber 4 is connected to the intermediate layer 3 by an elongated fastening means 5 along the extension direction of the glass fiber 4. Here, the fastening means 5 is a cord 14 that is stitched to the intermediate layer 4 by a plurality of openings 15. This means that the cord 14 is threaded through two openings 15 in each case, with the glass fiber 4 encircled on one side of the intermediate layer 3. The glass fiber 4 thus fastened is thus fixed stationarily and slippage of the glass fiber 4 during the arranging of the stack sequence of the outer pane 1, intermediate layer 3, and inner pane 2 is reliably avoided.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a composite pane 10 according to the invention. The method according to the invention includes, for example, the following steps:

-   -   a) Preparing a glass fiber 4, a thermoplastic intermediate layer         3, an outer pane 1 with an interior-side surface II, and an         inner pane 2 with an exterior-side surface III;     -   b) Arranging the glass fiber 4 on the intermediate layer 3, on         the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1, or on the         exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2;     -   c) Arranging the intermediate layer 3 between the outer pane 1         and the inner pane 2;     -   d) Bonding the interior-side surface II of the outer pane 1 to         the exterior-side surface III of the inner pane 2 via the         intermediate layer 3 by lamination.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

1 outer pane 2 inner pane 3 intermediate layer, thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 glass fiber 5 fastening means 6 side edge 7 masking print 10 composite pane 11 adhesive means 12 single-sided adhesive tape 13 double-sided adhesive tape 14 cord 15 opening 20 lighting means 100 composite pane arrangement d diameter of the light-diffusing glass fiber 4 A-A′ section line Z region I exterior-side surface of the outer pane 1 II interior-side surface of the outer pane 1 III exterior-side surface of the inner pane 2 IV interior-side surface of the inner pane 2 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A composite pane, comprising: an outer pane and an inner pane that are bonded to each other via an intermediate layer; and a light-diffusing glass fiber that is suitable for emitting light by diffusion via its side wall along its extension length, wherein the glass fiber is arranged, in sections, between the intermediate layer and the outer pane and/or between the intermediate layer and the inner pane.
 17. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the glass fiber is embedded in one surface of the intermediate layer.
 18. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the glass fiber is connected by a fastening means to the intermediate layer, the outer pane, and/or the inner pane.
 19. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means is an adhesive.
 20. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means is transparent.
 21. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means is a double-sided adhesive tape.
 22. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one of an acrylate adhesive, a methyl methylacrylate adhesive, a cyanoacrylate adhesive, a polyepoxide, a silicone adhesive, and/or a silane cross-linking polymeric adhesive, and/or copolymers, or mixtures thereof.
 23. The composite pane according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means is a cord.
 24. A composite pane arrangement, comprising: a composite pane according to claim 16; and a lighting means for coupling light into the glass fiber.
 25. A composite pane arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the lighting means comprises a laser diode or a light-emitting diode.
 26. A method for producing a composite pane, comprising: providing a composite pane according to claim 16; preparing a glass fiber, a thermoplastic intermediate layer, an outer pane with an interior-side surface, and an inner pane with an exterior-side surface; arranging the glass fiber on the intermediate layer, on the interior-side surface of the outer pane or on the exterior-side surface of the inner pane; arranging the intermediate layer between the outer pane and the inner pane; and bonding the interior-side surface of the outer pane to the exterior-side surface of the inner pane via the intermediate layer by lamination.
 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the glass fiber is embedded into the surface of the intermediate layer by local heating and/or by exertion of a pressure.
 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the local heating is performed by a soldering iron, or a heated pressure roller, or a heating plate.
 29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the glass fiber is connected by a fastening means to the intermediate layer, the interior side of the outer pane, and/or the exterior side of the inner pane.
 30. The method according to claim 26, wherein the glass fiber is connected to the intermediate layer by a cord, the cord surrounding the glass fiber and the intermediate layer in loop form through two openings in the intermediate layer.
 31. A method of using a composite pane, comprising: providing a composite pane according to claim 16; and using the composite pane in transportation means for travel on land, in the air, or on water.
 32. The method of using a composite pane according to claim 31, wherein the transportation means is a train, a watercraft, and/or motor vehicle.
 33. The method of using a composite pane according to claim 32, wherein the composite pane is used in a motor vehicle as a windshield, rear window, or side pane.
 34. The method of using a composite pane according to claim 31, wherein the composite pane is used as roof panel in buildings.
 35. A method of using a lighting means, comprising: providing the composite pane arrangement according to claim 24; and using the lighting means for the identification of an electrical function, wherein the electrical function is not the operation of the lighting means itself.
 36. The method of using the lighting means according to claim 35, wherein the lighting means is used for the identification of heating of the composite pane.
 37. The method of using the lighting means according to claim 35, wherein the lighting means is used for the identification of moving of the composite pane.
 38. The method of using the lighting means according to claim 35, wherein the lighting means is used for the identification of opening or closing of a side window.
 39. The method of using the lighting means according to claim 35, wherein the lighting means is used for the identification of locking or unlocking of a door and/or of a window of a vehicle. 